Agonalia

Summary

Agonalia

Calendar

Roman

Date

Mar 17 Every year

Description

In Ancient Roman religious tradition, Agonalia, or Agonia, was a festival celebrated several times a year, in honor of various divinities, such as Janus and Agonius, whom the Romans used to invoke upon their undertaking any business of importance. The word is derived either from Agonia, " a victim," or from Agonium, "a festival."

Its institution, like that of other religious rites and ceremonies, was attributed to Numa Pompilius. We learn from the ancient calendars that it was celebrated on the three following days: January 9, May 21, and December 11; to which we should probably add March 17, the day on which the Liberalia was celebrated, since this festival is also called Agonia or Agonium Martiale.